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Mon, 24 Mar, 2014 12:12:52 AM Talks on spending limit to continue till Tuesday PM terms new model exceptionally integrated FTimes-STT Report, March 24  Minister of Finance Jutta Urpilainen (left), Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen, the True Finns leader Timo Soini and the center of Chairman Juha Sipilä at the joint press conference after the agreement between ruling and oppositions on the social and health service reform in Helsinki on Sunday. Photo – Lehtikuva. The ruling and the opposition parties on Sunday agreed on the implementation of a comprehensive reform of social welfare and healthcare services in the country, with the view to safeguard the provision of vital welfare services over the forthcoming decades.
According to the new reform, all social welfare and healthcare services are to be delivered by five strong regional providers, said an official press release.
The new social welfare and healthcare regions will be based on the current specific catchment areas and rely on existing well-functioning structures.
The agreement was reached at a meeting between the government and the opposition parties held at the prime minister's official resident Kesärantä.
One important aspect in the new model was the integration of social welfare and healthcare services, which will impact positively on sustainability gap and on public finances, meeting sources said.
Minister for Health and Social services Susanna Huovinen. Photo – Lehtikuva. The talks, which commenced on Saturday to pave way for spending limits discussion, will continue until Tuesday.
Speaking at a press conference following the meeting, Finance Minister Jutta Urpilainen said the aim of the meeting was to discuss the implementation of the structural reform package as well as other issues.
In addition, the talks were aimed at discussing adjustment measures from tax increases and expenditure cuts to the employment package.
Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen hailed the new model, terming it an exceptionally highly integrated- based model.
The premier added that it would not have been possible to believe two weeks ago that a consensus could be reached on such a massive reform.
The Minister for Health and Social Services, Susanna Huovinen, said transition from basic healthcare to specialised healthcare should flow more smoothly in the future.
Huovinen added that it was important to safeguard the health and social care services at an early stage.
Marina Erhola, assistant director general of the Division of Health and Social Services, praised the move by the government and the opposition, referring to it as a bold and a reassuring solution.
Minister of the Interior Päivi Räsänen (left), Minister of Defence Carl Haglund, Minister of the Environment Ville Niinistö, Culture and Sport Paavo Arhinmäki at the press conference. Photo – Lehtikuva. Erhola expressed belief that the all health and welfare establishments would be satisfied with the model.
Government party leaders thanked the opposition for the broad consensus reached.
Opposition Perusuomalaiset (Finns Party) leader Timo Soini also expressed his delight during the press conference, saying the he was happy that the solution was reached on a parliamentary basis.
Soini said the details were still being finalised under the stewardship of Susanna Huovinen, the minister of health and social services.
A parliamentary steering group will be appointed to work under Minister Huovinen with an aim of finalising the proposal by the end of May.
As per the initial plans, the new social welfare and healthcare services model was expected to be fully operational by January 1, 2017.
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